New mall Commercenter opens in Alabang

An intimate leisure and lifestyle spot in the South.

This is what Commercenter promises to be as the mall at Commerce Avenue, Filinvest Corporate City, Alabang launched its #JustUs campaign and opened its doors to the media last Thursday.

“With the busy life we lead today, a good balance of hard work and relaxation is important,” said Marc Louie Tagle, president of Philippine Allied Enterprises Corp. (PAEC), who welcomed everyone.

“I am pretty sure that one of the best ways to unwind is by rewarding yourself with a delicious meal after a day's hard work, and even better is to pair it with a good movie to momentarily suspend the challenges that real life offers.”

The highlight of the grand launch, hosted by actor Edu Manzano, was the giving away of gift certificates and coupons from the different establishments, and the raffling off of bigger prizes.

The program was graced by violinist Jay Cayuca, who serenaded the crowd with his classic and modern melodies and commanding energy. The renowned Filipino group of singers The Company also raised everyone’s spirits with a set of contemporary tracks and Christmas songs.

The biggest surprise was the sudden singing of several individuals, who initially pretended to be part of the audience and were randomly seated with other guests, after Manzano asked the audience what they think about the newly opened mall.

State-of-the-art cinema

Commercenter Cinemas has four theaters “equipped with Dolby Digital7.1 surround sound system and 3D viewing capabilities” that they can experience while enjoying the “cozy seats and ample leg room,” said Tagle.

"Hunger Games" cosplayers then led the media to the theater for a free viewing of "The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 1."

Read: Movie review ‘Mockingjay Part 1’ is inevitably – unfortunately – a softer narrative

Retail and dining choices

Commercenter, which boasts a non-complex layout in lush, green surroundings, counts among its establishments a number of restaurants.

These include Kessaku, The Black Pig, Elbert’s Cheesesteak, Belcuisine Belgian Restaurant, Lasa Bistro, Maple Restaurant A-Won Korean Restaurant, Assi Fresh Plaza Korean Deli/Mart, Cocohut Fried Chicken and Fish, Mona Lisa Ristorante, KXP Kulinarya Express, Chubby’s Ribshack, and Bacchus Epicerie, as well as fast food favorites Yellow Cab, Army Navy, Buffalo’s Wings ‘N Things, and Taters.

The new center also houses establishments for fitness, wellness, and development, such as Bikram Yoga Alabang, Asian Center for Dental Specialties, Fringe Salon, Asian Eye Institute, Centro Holistico, CMA Mental Arithmetic, 4C Early Learning Station, and the soon-to-open The Aivee Institute, US Professional Golf Academy Tours, and La Vie Institute.

Stores for hobbies and sports include Kitchen Gallery, Bridgestone Tire Center, Ducati Callaway, Epic Cycles, and the soon-to-open Luxuri Boutique and Décor Contemporary Furniture. — BM, GMA News